Law and Technology: ‘Human Rights in the Digital Age’ Short Course

About

Digital technology, is a dynamic field which is a rapidly changing, and is increasingly prevalent in our lives. Its impact and regulation are critical issues for scholars, practitioners, policy makers, and students.

Led by Dr Giulia Gentile, Professor Audrey Guinchard, and Dr Matthew Gillett, the Law and Technology: ‘Human Rights in the Digital Age’ short course takes place in an online, live interactive format. The course will address new opportunities and challenges in relation to Digital Technology, AI, Law and Society. It will look at current and emerging challenges in digital regulation (social media platforms, AI regulation, data regulation). The course has been crafted with input from University of Essex’s world-leading Human Rights Centre.

Topics include:

Concepts: digital technology, AI, and human rights
Legal framework: human rights and digital technology (including the public/private dichotomy and fundamental rights)
AI, technology and online safety and freedom of expression
AI, technology and privacy
AI, technology and criminal justice rights
AI, technology and non-discrimination
AI, technology and the environment
AI, technology and the gig economy and labour rights
AI, technology and democratic participation
All participants who successfully complete the course will receive a University of Essex, Human Rights Centre certificate.

Course Dates:
Week 1 : 14, 15, 16 April 2026
Week 2: 21, 22, 23 April 2026
Week 3: 28, 29, 30 April 2026

All sessions are 17:00 – 18:30 UK time

Course leader

Dr Giulia Gentile, Professor Audrey Guinchard, and Dr Matthew Gillett

Target group

The content of the course is specifically tailored to professionals (including in the human rights and/or technology sectors) looking to increase their knowledge of issues at the intersection of digital technology and human rights.

The course is also suited to recently graduated students looking to obtain knowledge of digital technology and A.I.

The course is delivered entirely in English. Thus, you are required to be highly competent in English. The course is available to an International audience.

Please note, to take part in the short course virtually you will need access to a laptop/computer and have a reliable internet connection

Course aim

In taking this course participants will:

Gain an understanding of the concepts of AI, digital technology, and the interplay with human rights
Acquire specialist knowledge concerning AI, technology and the specific topics (express, criminal justice, etc…) addressed in the sessions.
Gain a critical understanding of the challenges linked to the use of AI and technology in these fields, including through relevant human rights institutions

Fee info